Richie Porte takes overall lead at Giro del Trentino after stage two win

Team Sky's Richie Porte wins stage two at the Giro del Trentino from Astana's Mikel Landa, and the takes the overall lead

Richie Porte wins Stage 2 of the 2015 Giro del Trentino

(Image credit: Watson)

Richie Porte soloed away from Astana's Mikel Landa on the final climb of stage two at the Giro del Trentino to claim the overall lead by 16 seconds.

Having finished just shy of Bora-Argon 18's time in the opening team time trial, Porte and his Team Sky colleagues started day two in touching distance of the leader's jersey.

Once the breakaway was caught a new break of 18 riders, including four from Team Sky, went up the road in search of the win.

Porte was joined by Leopold Konig, David Lopez and Kanstantin Siutsou, with the British team doing most of the work on the front.

With two kilometres to go Porte attacked, gaining 16 seconds over Landa by the finish line. Three-time winner in Trentino, Damiano Cunego, claimed the third podium place ahead of Konig on the line.

Richie Porte in action during Stage 2 of the 2015 Giro del Trentino (Watson)

Richie Porte in action during Stage 2 of the 2015 Giro del Trentino (Watson)
(Image credit: Watson)

The performance shows Porte's fine form is continuing, with the Australian already having won both Paris-Nice and the Volta a Catalunya this season.

The Tasmanian is building up to a tilt at the Giro d'Italia title next month and recent outings are setting him up as one of the favourites for first Grand Tour of the year.

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Stuart Clarke is a News Associates trained journalist who has worked for the likes of the British Olympic Associate, British Rowing and the England and Wales Cricket Board, and of course Cycling Weekly. His work at Cycling Weekly has focused upon professional racing, following the World Tour races and its characters.